EAST MEADOW, New York – The Long Island Gulls are proud to announce that former forwards Sonny Milano and JJ Piccinich were selected at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft this past weekend in Philadelphia, PA.

Milano was chosen 16th overall in the first-round by the Columbus Blue Jackets. 

The Massapequa, N.Y. native finished the 2013-14 season with the USNDTP U-18 team where he posted 29 goals and 57 assists for 86 points, which was second most on the club.

"I thought my interview with Columbus went pretty well, but it's kind of tough to tell when you go through them," he said in an interview with Newsday. "I was sitting there sweating and all nervous."

Milano, who was also a YouTube Star for his stick handling before the Draft, has plans to attend Boston College this upcoming season and play for legendary college hockey coach, Jerry York.

“Yeah, he’s got all of that skill,” Blue Jackets director of amateur scouting Paul Castron said. “But he has this unbelievable passion for playing the game.

“He can play all day, all game. Just unbelievable stamina and a love for being on the ice. He’s a coach’s dream.”

Piccinich was chosen 103rd overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 4th Round. 

The Boston University commit completed the 2013-14 season with the Youngstown Phantoms and posted 58 points in 60 games played.

“He’s not a real tall kid, but he’s got a thick build. He can score,” said Leafs’ Chief Scout, Dave Morrison. “We like him as a kid. He’s got a kind of twinkle in his eye like he loves the game and he loves to be at the rink.”

The Long Island Gulls would like to congratulate Sonny and JJ on hearing their names called at the 2014 NHL Draft!